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Encouragers in the Early Church

Lesson 3:. Encouragers in the Early Church. Encouragers in the Early Church. The Lord’s church was established in Acts 2 “Devout men from every nation under heaven” – 2:5 “That day about 3,000 souls were added to them” – 2:41

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Encouragers in the Early Church

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  1. Lesson 3: Encouragers in the Early Church

  2. Encouragers in the Early Church • The Lord’s church was established in Acts 2 • “Devout men from every nation under heaven” – 2:5 • “That day about 3,000 souls were added to them” – 2:41 • Now Jerusalem had Christians “from every nation” and some of these Christians may not have gone home right away. • Each of the 3,000 had just become recipients of God’s grace, which bonded them together in their common experience.

  3. Encouragers in the Early Church • Characteristics of Encouragement in the Early Church • The first thing they shared in common was their faith! • “Now all who believed…” – Acts 2:44; 4:32 • Having a shared faith creates a unique bond! • “They had all things in common” – Acts 2:44; 4:32 • “They were of one heart and one soul” – Acts 4:32 • United intellectually, emotionally & spiritually • A beautiful fulfillment of the prayer of Jesus in John 17! • They exhibited tremendous selflessness & true stewardship! • “Neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own,” but it was God’s – Acts 4:32 • How do these things help make them encouragers?

  4. Encouragers in the Early Church • Actions of Encouragement in the Early Church • “All who believed were together” – Acts 2:44 • “Day by day continuing…together” – Acts 2:46 • They were voluntarily sacrificial toward each other! • There was not “anyone among them who lacked” – 4:34 • “All who were owners of lands or houses…” – Acts 4:34 • “Sold [their lands and houses]” – Acts 2:34 • “Were selling their possessions and goods” – Acts 2:45 • “Brought the proceeds of the things that were sold” – 4:34 • Voluntarily “laid [the proceeds] at the apostles’ feet” – 4:34 • “Distributed to each as anyone had need” – Acts 4:34; 2:45 • When there was a genuine need, brethren rushed to help! • How do these things help make them encouragers?

  5. Encouragers in the Early Church • The actions of the early church were not communism! • It was purely voluntary and never coerced! • Every Christian did not and was not required to participate. • As with all N.T. giving, it was according as they purposed in their heart to give – Acts 5:4; cf. 2 Cor. 9:7. • It did not continue throughout the early church years & is not mentioned again after persecution scatters the saints. • It was not economic equality that united the church! • Their willing & generous hearts contributed to their unity. • But, their unity was founded an equality much deeper! • They had all been washed in the blood of Jesus! • They were all one in the body of Christ!

  6. Encouragers in the Early Church • The use of our possessions is revealing testimony… • To the heart of that Christian! • To the depth of our love for God! • To the depth of our love for one another! • To the depth of our love for our possessions! • Sharing our material possessions with our brethren… • Is an act of love! • Is an act of selflessness! • Is an act of encouragement!

  7. Encouragers in the Early Church • Example of a Great Encourager in the Early Church • Joseph was a Jewish convert in the early church. • He was of the tribe of Levi & from the country of Cyprus. • He was a landowner – Acts 4:37 • He apparently had no wife or family – cf. 1 Cor. 9:5-6. • Due to his tremendous heart & his behavior as a Christian, we do not even know him by his given name, Joseph.

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